Hoteliers have dismissed as “misleading” reports that Malta’s electricity rates are below the EU average when taking into consideration purchasing power standards.

“Let’s keep it simple and compare one country with another through the common currency we all use rather than confusing the issue by bringing in averages and purchasing power standards. Bills are paid in euros and not in PPS euros,” Tony Zahra, Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association president, said.

The association insisted Malta’s average industrial electricity tariffs remained the highest in the EU, according to Eurostat calculations.

“Over the past three years, MHRA has been calling on the Government to address the energy issue with a sense of great urgency because this has been threatening the long-term sustainability of the hotel and restaurant industry,” it added.

In a separate statement, the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry welcomed the recent commitment by the EU and the Government to foster Europe’s competitiveness by challenging high energy prices.

In a statement, it said it was supporting the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, EUROCHAMBRES, in its call on EU leaders to turn their commitment into concrete actions.

This could be done “by creating a cost-effective strategy to move towards renewable energy, and putting every effort in the conclusion of an international climate change agreement”.

Malta’s average industrial electricity prices remain the highest in the EU and “this undoubtedly threatens the long-term sustainability of Maltese business”, the chamber said.

David Curmi, president of the chamber, said energy rates were a sensitive issue that directly “affects the costs and cash-flows of business operations”.